Course Descriptions

From the desk of the dean,Dr. Karen Nery

A major in psychology attracts students who are interested in gaining a better understanding of themselves, in learning to relate to other people well, and ultimately, in helping society and other individuals. Naturally, a great deal of introspection is required. You will be encouraged to develop self-understanding and to examine your family life and its effects on you. You will be asked to consider honestly your intellectual ability and level of motivation as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses.

In addition, you'll study the interaction between psychology and faith, learning how each impacts the other. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in discovering how the scientific aspect of psychology can be employed in developing and managing interpersonal relations and in addressing society's problems.

Most states require some type of licensure or certification for psychologists, so we encourage our students to attend graduate school. But for those who don't, many positions are available in a wide variety of settings where helping other is the priority.

To find out more about the Department of Psychology at Campbell University, please contact one of our faculty by following the link at the top of the page.

222 General Psychology (3)
A study of the various fields of psychology: the developmental process, learning, motivation, emotion, frustration and adjustment, attention and perception, memory and cognition, group dynamics, and abnormal behavior. Attention is given to the application of these topics to problems of study, self-understanding, and adjustment to the demands of society. Required of all prospective teachers. Psychology 222 is a prerequisite to all psychology courses. Offered in the fall, spring, and summer.

232 Social Psychology (3) (Sociology 232)
A study of the way individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others. Topics for consideration include the manner in which status and role characteristics affect personality, the behavior of small groups, group pressure on individual judgment, leadership, crowd behavior, affiliation, and aggression. Offered in the spring.

260 Developmental Psychology (3)
A study of the course of human development from conception to death, including physical, moral, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Normal developmental tasks are also examined. Offered in the fall.

267 Statistics for the Social Sciences (3)An introduction to the mathematical techniques used for evaluating behavioral and social science data as well as to the conceptual and theoretical framework behind many of these techniques. The semester will begin with a discussion of basic descriptive and predictive techniques (i.e., central tendency, variability, correlation and regression); but a greater part of the term will be spent discussing probability theory, hypothesis testing and scientific decision-making. Since this is a psychology course, emphasis will be placed on statistical applications for psychological data, but these methods can be used in other fields as well. Offered in the spring.

325 Psychological Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence (3)
A study of the causes and treatment of various psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence, for example, anxiety disorders, depression, developmental pervasive disordres, and autism. Offered in the fall.

330 Research Methods in Behavioral and Social Sciences (4) (SOWK 330)
An introduction to the basic research methods used in the social and behavioral sciences. Special emphasis is placed on developing the student’s ability to understand and evaluate scientific research as well as to conduct and report research. Exposure to historically significant problem areas is provided. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: Math 160. Offered in the fall and spring.

364 Psychology of Human Relations (3)
A study of factors which affect human relationships, e.g. family of origin, personal values, parenting styles, making choices, personal growth, and sex roles. Offered in the fall and spring.

365 Industrial Psychology (3)
A study of psychological principles as applied to business and industry, to employer-employee relationships, and to producer and consumer behavior. Offered as needed.

368 Psychology of Learning and Cognition (3)
A survey of the major concepts and research methods for studying learning and cognition (e.g., language development, memory formation, and conditioning procedures). Offered in the spring.

369 Physiological Psychology (3)
A study of the biological correlates of behavior. Emphasis is placed on the development and organization of the nervous system, the physiological basis of motivated behavior, and the function and structure of sensory and motor systems. Offered in the fall and spring.

372 Perception (3)
A study of the organizing principles of perception. Topics such as perception of movement, depth, taste and smell, form, color, and illusions are examined. Offered as needed.

373 Exceptional Children (3) (Education 373)
A study of issues related to the identification, assessment, and instruction of children with special needs, including the academically gifted. The course will include an examination of current definitions of exceptionality, legal issues, teaching strategies, coordination with families and community agencies, and the professional responsibility of the teacher. Offered in the fall and summer.

430 Advanced Research (3)
A seminar course designed to give students experience in evaluating literature, planning and conducting original research, and technical writing aimed at publication. Emphasis will be on gaining mastery of topics by extensive literature review and on gaining critical thinking skills necessary for scientific inquiry. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in Psychology 330 and Math 160. Instructor permission required. Offered alternate spring.

461 Abnormal Psychology (3)
A survey of the major forms of abnormal behavior of children and adults, with an emphasis on understanding the cause, treatment, and prevention of these disorders. Prerequisites: Nine semester hours of psychology. Offered in the spring.

463 Educational and Psychological Testing (3)
A study of the principles of educational and psychological testing in the areas of aptitude, achievement, personality, interests, and attitudes. An examination of the various types of tests through using test manuals and the tests themselves. The application of these tests to educational and psychological measurement is addressed. Offered in the spring.

467 Advanced Behavioral Statistics (3)
An exploration of quantitative methods of data analysis, including: higher order analysis of variance, factor analysis, multiple regression and other multivariate techniques. Emphasis is placed on the logic and utility of statistical techniques and on computer applications of data analysis. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in Psychology 330 and Psychology 267. Instructor permission required. Offered as needed.

471 Clinical Psychology (3)
A survey of the field of clinical psychology, with emphasis on the major positions in which clinical psychologists are employed and their principal activities. Prerequisites: Psychology 364 and 461. Offered in the fall of even years.

475 Theories of Personality (3)
A survey of the major personality theories ranging from Freud’s theory to Existentialism. This is a seminar for psychology majors or minors only. Offered in the fall of odd years.

480 History of Psychology (3)
A study of the important figures, concepts, schools, and systems of psychology from the early Greek philosophers to the present; an exploration of the development of psychological research and theory within the modern and post-modern sociopolitical context; and a re-evaluation of psychology’s heritage from the perspective of a Christian worldview. Offered in the fall.

490 Practicum: Developmental Disabilities (3)
A practicum in a setting or an institution for persons with development disabilities. Students are given the opportunity to become involved in various programs that allow for the practical application of coursework. Supervision is arranged through the staff of the institution or agency and the faculty at Campbell. The student participates in a seminar, writes a library research paper and keeps a log concerning his or her experiences. Offered in the fall and spring only through the main campus.

491 Introduction to Counseling (3)
An introduction to various techniques of counseling, e.g. ingredients of a helping relationship, listening responses, and conceptualizing client issues.Offered in the fall only through the main campus.

497 Internship (6)
Full-time work for selected upper class students in a human services setting during a summer session. The students are supervised by the staff of the institution and Campbell faculty and are involved in activities with a staff psychologist or mental health counselor at the respective institution or agency. Offered in the summer only through the main campus.499 Directed Study (1-3)
A directed study designed to permit an advanced psychology major to investigate in detail specific problem areas relating to his or her primary field of interest. Permission must be obtained from the instructor, chair, and dean.

526 Drug Treatments of Psychological Disorders (1)
An overview of the psychotropic medications that health care providers prescribe for various emotional, mental and behavioral disorders. Class discussion will begin with some basic issues in drug action (i.e., potency, efficacy, primary effects and side effects, administration, distribution and metabolism). Focus will be on educating non-medical professionals about the use of drug treatments for conditions like depression, excessive anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia and others. Offered alternate spring.